Physical activity engagement, memory function, and hippocampal volume in adults with down syndrome

Background Higher engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) is related to better cognitive functioning neurotypical adults; however, little known about the impact of PA on aging adults with Down syndrome (DS). Individuals DS have three copies chromosome 21, which includes gene for amyloid precursor protein, resulting an increased risk for/earlier onset Alzheimer’s disease. The goal this study was understand relationship between moderate and memory non-demented DS. Method Adults participated ancillary Lifestyle linked Biomarkers Consortium Syndrome (N = 54). Participants completed Cued Recall Test (CRT) measure episodic memory. total free + cued CRT score used analyses. wore a wrist-worn accelerometer (GT9X) 7 days PA. Moderate classified using Freedson cutpoints ActiLife software defined as daily average minutes. Structural MRI data were acquired within 18 months actigraphy/cognitive collection. Hippocampal volume extracted Freesurfer v5.3. Associations engagement, memory, hippocampal evaluated hierarchical linear regressions controlling relevant covariates (age, body mass index (BMI), intracranial (ICV)). Result 37.81 years old (SD 8.15 years) 55.6% female. They spent ∼10.67% their time engaged 7.48%). recalled 32.09 items 6.09, range 7-36). After age BMI, greater associated higher recall (b 0.279, p 0.044). ICV, not significantly (p 0.48). Greater after ICV 0.496, 0.004). Conclusion A proportion engaging function While performance, it engagement. may be promising lifestyle behavior preserve